What did Spurs coach Gregg Popovich say about racism in the US at a social justice summit?

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has expressed frustration over the current condition of the United States, saying that he no longer recognizes his own country due its high level of racism.

“This is the country we live in,” he said during a social justice summit held recently in New York City.

“I don’t have the answers, but it pisses me off, it hurts me, it confounds me, and I wonder, where the hell do I live?”

Popovich appalled by racism in U.S.

“I live in a country I did not know exists. I knew there were racists, I understand that, but I had no idea it was to this level. And that the injustices, the seeking of power, was so rampant, that we are in the position we are in now.”

The Spurs coach went on to commend attorney Barry Scheck for his achievements at Innocence Project, which is a program that works to clear the names of those wrongly convicted. Popovich mentioned that 375 people have already been exonerated due to the program. Many of those being assisted by the Project are black.

The 73-year-old made the comments during the inaugural social justice summit held by music producer Jay-Z’s entertainment agency Roc Nation in coordination with the United Justice Coalition.

Popovich: Not one to shy away from issues of the day

It’s not the first time that Popovich has spoken out on national issues. Last month, he criticized Texas lawmakers for not acting on gun reform in the wake of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas which killed 19 children and two teachers.

He has also been a long-time critic of former President Trump and other Republican politicians.